News

MEP left fuming over EU plans for e-cigarettes

A WEST Midlands MEP is campaigning on behalf of e-cigarette users and businesses to stop the European Parliament from over-regulating the industry.

We Demand a Referendum Now MEP Nikki Sinclaire, who represents Wyre Forest, has criticised proposals made in the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) as she said it could lead to too many regulations, causing an effective ban.

Despite an outright ban being rejected last year, Miss Sinclaire claims that the Parliament seems "determined" to make it happen which would be damaging to the health of many e-cigarette users, known as vapers.

She said: "Although the TPD aims to discourage younger people from smoking and looks to make smoking as a whole less attractive, an effective ban on e-cigarettes would actually push many of the vapers to start smoking traditional cigarettes again."

A Stourport e-cigarette franchise owner echoed Miss Sinclaire's concerns. George Makry, of Vape HQ, said he believed about 80 per cent of users would resort back to traditional cigarettes if a ban went ahead.

There is an estimated 1.3 million current users of e-cigarettes in the UK.

This week, the Government announced it would ban under 18s from buying e-cigarettes but many businesses, including Vape HQ, already have their own over 18 policy.

Miss Sinclaire added: "Thousands upon thousands of e-cigarettes users have contacted me in despair at the thought that e-cigarettes could be taken off the market.

"For many of these people, this has been the only way of effectively quitting cigarettes - other stop smoking methods simply have not worked.

"What isn't surprising is how hard the tobacco lobby is pushing for a ban on e-cigarettes. The tobacco industry will benefit from an e-cigarette ban.

"Here in the West Midlands I also see e-cigarette retailers opening in every area - a ban on e-cigarettes would also kill off these thriving businesses."

Mr Makry added: "Obviously I'd be against a EU-wide ban. There are a lot of people that are going from 40-a-day smokers down to zero.

"I believe that people that come back in to see us look a lot healthier for vaping. You can see it in their skin, its more hydrated."

Kidderminster-based charity Forces Support, which offers the bereaved families of servicemen and women assistance, raises money from the sale of e-cigarettes due to its partnership with Bromsgrove-based E-Lites.

E-Lites donated £10,000 worth of stock to the charity and is also sponsoring a fund-raising football tournament in May.

Forces Support founder Bill McCance said: "It's a much appreciated donation. From what I understand from the research I've done, they are not harmful.

"If there was anything harmful in there we would have said 'no thank you'. If that changes, we would change too."

The charity has so far raised £3,000 from the sale of the E-Lites at its eight shops across the West Midlands.

Miss Sinclaire, who is one of seven MEPs representing the West Midlands, is also calling on e-cigarette users to lobby their MEPS on the issue.

Comments (11)

I have witnessed the use of them by patients in hospitals - they appear to cause an increased addiction in the use, they smell and are full of chemicals that nobody else needs. They are not a cigarette substitute but a health risk that is NOT being managed! BAN the things!!!

I have witnessed the use of them by patients in hospitals - they appear to cause an increased addiction in the use, they smell and are full of chemicals that nobody else needs. They are not a cigarette substitute but a health risk that is NOT being managed! BAN the things!!!Mrs C Wass

Mrs C Wass wrote:
I have witnessed the use of them by patients in hospitals - they appear to cause an increased addiction in the use, they smell and are full of chemicals that nobody else needs. They are not a cigarette substitute but a health risk that is NOT being managed! BAN the things!!!

I used an e-cig in hospital after heart surgery with no complaints from the staff! And nor should there be, they don't smell and are not full of chemicals.

In fact they are saving my life why do ill informed people want to kill me and that goes double for the EU commissioners.
All the information is available now proving that they cause no harm to anyone.

[quote][p][bold]Mrs C Wass[/bold] wrote:
I have witnessed the use of them by patients in hospitals - they appear to cause an increased addiction in the use, they smell and are full of chemicals that nobody else needs. They are not a cigarette substitute but a health risk that is NOT being managed! BAN the things!!![/p][/quote]I used an e-cig in hospital after heart surgery with no complaints from the staff! And nor should there be, they don't smell and are not full of chemicals.
In fact they are saving my life why do ill informed people want to kill me and that goes double for the EU commissioners.
All the information is available now proving that they cause no harm to anyone.Steve Vale

If they are going to be used , then lets have some control over them as with cigarettes, available to over 18 only, plain packs. More research on the Nicotine content. the same controls of use as with cigarettes, not to be used whilst driving, not in or even around Hospitals. I would go as far as to say yes to being allowed in pubs, but not in a dining area. Tax them on a much lower rate than cigs and tobacco. I wonder if it is possible to have various strengths or levels of nicotine in them.
As I smoker that gave up 40 years ago, I only wish they had been around then, or would I still be using them and spending vast amounts of money on them. If the health risks are that much lower than cigs. then everything must be done to convert smokers onto them.

If they are going to be used , then lets have some control over them as with cigarettes, available to over 18 only, plain packs. More research on the Nicotine content. the same controls of use as with cigarettes, not to be used whilst driving, not in or even around Hospitals. I would go as far as to say yes to being allowed in pubs, but not in a dining area. Tax them on a much lower rate than cigs and tobacco. I wonder if it is possible to have various strengths or levels of nicotine in them.
As I smoker that gave up 40 years ago, I only wish they had been around then, or would I still be using them and spending vast amounts of money on them. If the health risks are that much lower than cigs. then everything must be done to convert smokers onto them.vassenden

Mrs C Wass wrote:
I have witnessed the use of them by patients in hospitals - they appear to cause an increased addiction in the use, they smell and are full of chemicals that nobody else needs. They are not a cigarette substitute but a health risk that is NOT being managed! BAN the things!!!

what!!!!!!!!! get real please they are safe and proved to be safe,

[quote][p][bold]Mrs C Wass[/bold] wrote:
I have witnessed the use of them by patients in hospitals - they appear to cause an increased addiction in the use, they smell and are full of chemicals that nobody else needs. They are not a cigarette substitute but a health risk that is NOT being managed! BAN the things!!![/p][/quote]what!!!!!!!!! get real please they are safe and proved to be safe,gypsyman1